To help protect a beach full of birds, the Coastal Center at Milford Point will be closed until July5

The support of Connecticut Audubon’s members and donors is helping to protect young Piping Plovers at Milford Point. The keep them safe in the short-term, the Coastal Center will be closed from July 2 until July 5.

July 2, 2024—Stressful but so far successful — that sums up the season for the Piping Plovers nesting at Milford Point.

They need your help. To keep the plovers and the nesting American Oystercatchers safe during Fourth of July, we will lock the Coastal Center gates at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday, July 2), and reopen them at sunrise on Friday, July 5.

The Fourth of July draws far too many people than is safe for the Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers that nest on the beach and sandspit.

Right now there are more than 50 Piping Plovers out there, and a smaller number of oystercatchers. Too many visitors plus the disturbance caused by fireworks is a potential disaster for these endangered and threatened birds.

Connecticut Audubon’s Coastal Rangers will be patrolling throughout the period.

Thank you for your cooperation and your understanding. It will help the birds get through a crucial stretch.

In the meantime, we have beautiful sanctuaries brimming with birds and other wildlife in every part of Connecticut. Almost all are open from sunrise til sundown, 365 days a year.